Alternative Treatments for Diabetic Foot Pain: A Brief Guide

Over 37 million Americans live with diabetes. This metabolic disorder wreaks havoc on the feet.

It disrupts the way your body breaks down sugar, and the excess seeps into nerve cells, especially in the legs and feet where blood tends to pool. This results in a painful condition called peripheral neuropathy.

Poor blood circulation adds more discomfort and increases the risk of serious complications. It makes wounds more likely and difficult to heal.

Read on to learn more about diabetic foot pain and alternative methods for treating it.

Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Pain

A diabetic should never ignore foot pain. Doing so could lead to a serious infection or loss of a limb.

The symptoms of diabetic foot pain include:

• Increased sensitivity to any type of stimulus
• Unusual pain
• Tingling sensations
• Numbness
• Heaviness
• Weakness

If your foot feels off, examine it. Poor circulation can make the foot feel very cold, which actually cuts off the blood supply further.

Check for any discoloration of the skin from lack of blood flow. Also look for signs of infection, like redness and swelling. Also search for cracks or open sores that may be causing your pain.

Alternative Treatment for Diabetic Foot Pain

Treating a diabetic foot will ease the discomfort and protect your overall health. But pharmaceuticals can cause unwanted side effects.

Try these alternative remedies for managing diabetic foot pain!

Better Socks and Shoes

Switch to  compression socks to help ease your pain because they fit tight to squeeze the muscles and blood vessels in your leg and foot. This improves blood flow and reduces inflammation.

Wearing them as much as possible will give you the maximum benefit. They especially help at night when you lay inactive to sleep.

Don't keep shoving your sore feet into shoes that don't provide good support. Switch to  footwear designed for comfort for people with foot pain.

You will notice an immediate difference as soon as you slip them on. Better fitting shoes will also allow your foot to heal more quickly.

Spices

Head to the kitchen to help your foot heal. It turns out that spices do more than kick up flavor.

Fresh ginger contains gingerol, a compound that reduces inflammation. Shave this root into warm water and soak your aching feet for relief.

It also works well for feet with open wounds. Ginger contains antimicrobial properties that will help you ward off infection.

During your soak, make yourself a snack containing hot chili peppers. They contain a compound called capsaicin that reduces inflammation. Plus, the sheer heat causes blood vessels to open up, improving overall circulation that will help your foot feel better and heal.

Yoga

Sign up for a yoga class to help your foot pain and improve your overall condition. Holding yoga poses moves lymphatic drainage through the body and improves blood circulation to reduce inflammation and improve your body's healing power.

This activity also reduces stress, which reduces cortisol levels. When this happens, yoga can actually help your body naturally reduce blood sugar levels.

Remember, your diabetic foot is more prone to infection. Always use your own mat and disinfect it after each use.

Walk Away From Diabetic Foot Pain

Diabetes brings about unique challenges. But you don't need to suffer any longer. Take good care of your feet and recognize the symptoms of diabetic foot pain so that you can take a proactive approach to treating it.

We want you to walk away happier and healthier than ever before. Find the shoe that fits you best!